Not Alone At All . . . .

Dearest Annabelle,

In response to your request for an insight to my latest travels, I offer the following. My excursion to the wild ocean beach near Lake Ozette was most enjoyable and somewhat mystical as well. Hiking through the dense rain forest left me on edge at each turn of the trail. The placement of tall evergreen trees, their dense canopy overhead played games with my mind. I envisioned prehistoric raptors or such creatures running through the dark green ferns drooling mouths wide open set to pounce upon me. It was a long three miles to the open expanse of the wind swept beach. Once setting foot upon the coarse sand I could see my extension of the journey before me. Rocks, large and small and storm laden driftwood logs strewn hither and tho’ would make for a challenging walk. Raptors of a more common sight soared overhead watching my every movement. With the tide out treasures galore were exposed for my viewing. Sea creatures of every kind beckoned my calling in the rocky tide pools. About half way traveling northward I came to rest upon a once giant tree and set myself down for a spell. Solitude yes, boredom no. I could almost hear the haunting cries of ancient Indian warriors in their long boats trekking the surf. Petrogryphs of centuries gone by were on the face of large basalt rocks giving one insight of days long ago. The Indian village once robust and active was buried some 300 years ago by a large mud flow. Those inhabitants walk the beach on such hollowed nights arising from the misty depths of the sea. This day bright and sunny could only offer faint echoes from the forest edge. A bald eagle perched on a snag above me were the eyes of the ancient people that allowed me to share their space in time. Proceeding to the northern trail head and then back through the dense forest left me with a strange feeling of abandonment. I was not alone this day for sure but escorted by ghastly spirits that will walk the desolated beach forever.

Warmest regards,

William

~Patrick